Concise Encyclopedia of Language and Religion

The Concise Encyclopedia of Language and Religion provides the specialist and the general reader with accurate, up-to-date information on every aspect of the crucial interface between language and religion. Easy access to material in over 320 articles by scholars in many fields is provided both in a clear thematic arrangement, and by means of a comprehensive and detailed general index. Discussion of many topics including the creation of special sacred scripts, religious calligraphy, and the use of religious symbols in meditation, magic and elsewhere, is enriched and elucidated by illustrations, diagrams and tables. The Concise Encyclopedia of Language and Religion brings together articles and bibliographic entries drawn from the award-winning Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics, all of which have been revised and updated appropriately. These articles are supplemented by a large number of completely new contributions, one of which is an extensive 12,500 word article on 'Basic Concepts and Terms in Linguistics', making this volume accessible to a wide audience.

AudienceFor academic researchers, teachers, graduate and postgraduate students in the disciplines of religious studies, theology, linguistic history and sociology.

Reviews

Profoundly delicate relations between religion and language have been a fascinating feature of cultural history since time immemorial. Yet there has been no systematic exploration or overview of the subject. At last this gap has been filled by specialists both in linguistics and in a wide range of religious traditions. This finely balanced reference work is a unique resource which will prove indispensable for all students of religion.Michael Pye, Professor of Study of Religions, University of Marburg, Germany,

...the erudition of the scholarship and the very appealing physical layout, make this a particularly significant contribution to the study of language in its diverse contexts in the modern era.Peter G. Ridell, London Bible College, Like other previous volumes in the series,... the present volume contains close to 200 (and if biographical entries are added, many more) mostly short articles, arranged under seven major sections...Unlike in previous volumes, the present one has introductions by the first editor to all six main sections.E.F.K. Koerner, Cologne University, Histographia Linguistica...a major reference work of lasting value. ...The range and detail of all entries ensure the value of this book as a reference work not only for students, but for scholars wishing a brief introduction to topics on the intersection of language/linguistics and religious studies.J.K. Aitken, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, Vol 99